Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has sharply questioned the purpose of infrastructure development when it is used in ways that undermine fundamental democratic values and civil liberties.
In a strongly worded statement, Sifuna sarcastically remarked on the dualization of the Kenol–Marua Road, suggesting that such development appears meaningless if it merely enables faster deployment of security forces to suppress citizens, including worshippers in churches in Nyeri.
“We dualized Kenol-Marua road so that state ghouls can quickly deliver teargas to Churches in Nyeri?” Sifuna posed, expressing outrage at what he described as the erosion of national values under the guise of development.
The senator emphasized that while infrastructure such as roads is important, it should never come at the expense of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. He warned that development devoid of values becomes hollow and disconnected from the needs and aspirations of the people.
Sifuna concluded by reaffirming his position that true progress must be anchored in democratic principles, accountability, and respect for citizens, stating that he would always choose freedom and democracy over cosmetic development.
